ESPN

Buzzmaster

  (11:58 AM)

Rob Neyer will be chatting with you live at 8 PM ET for Game 7 of the ALCS!

Rob Neyer

  (8:02 PM)

Sort of a big game, I guess. Wanna watch it together?

Kyle (Suffolk, VA)

Can Lester shut down the Rays?

Rob Neyer

  (8:04 PM)

He can. But will he? I don't have the slightest idea. I will point out that the Rays finished just ninth in the league in scoring this season. I will also point out that the Rays were 57-24 at home.

Rex (San Francisco)

To start off the chat who is going to win this ballgame?

Rob Neyer

  (8:04 PM)

I'll go with the Rays, but here's a specific prediction: If Garza doesn't give up a big hit to Ortiz, the Rays win.

Chris (NYC)

What constitutes a "big hit" from Ortiz? A homer?

Rob Neyer

  (8:07 PM)

Probably. Or a bases-clearing double. You get the idea.

Bill (Hong Kong)

Any idea why Alex Cora is starting for the Sox?

Rob Neyer

  (8:08 PM)

No, but I suspect that Francona has his reasons. It's not like he and the front office don't think about these things on various levels.

Rob Neyer

  (8:09 PM)

There's the first pitch! Fastball, high.

aprilr33 (west virginia)

Is this going to be televised or do we have to "watch it" on gamecast

Rob Neyer

  (8:11 PM)

It's on the screen, April. We've got a link on the baseball page, and you can watch on your computer. And if you've got a TV handy, you can watch on TBS. You could have seen Coco Crisp bunt one right to Garza for the first out.

jason (ca)

home run!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (8:12 PM)

Wow, that was probably the worst pitch we'll see in this game, an 84-m.p.h. something that just sort of floated into the strike zone.

Greg (Honolulu Honolulu)

Is Garza easily rattled?

Rob Neyer

  (8:13 PM)

He had that reputation before this season, but by most accounts he's done a lot of work to get his emotions under control. And it's worked.

Ian (Boston)

who hit the home run?

Rob Neyer

  (8:14 PM)

The shortest guy on the field.

Thomas (Florida)

Rob, you said there is a link to watch it, where is the link located?

Rob Neyer

  (8:19 PM)

Sorry, I was wrong. As near as I can tell, there's no way to watch the game on your computer unless you're outside the U.S.

Steve (Boston)

THAT was a swing???

Rob Neyer

  (8:20 PM)

I didn't think so, initially. But it's easy to get fooled at full speed. I hope they show a replay after the commercial.

vk (Amsterdam)

I'm outside the US. Is there a way to watch online?

Rob Neyer

  (8:21 PM)

Yes; got to www.mlb.com and look for the "Int'l: Watch" link. I'm not sure if I should be telling you this ...

Wolfi (Valdosta, GA)

Rob, thanks for the blog. In south georgia we can't see the game. Is that happening all over? Is it on TV in other venues?

Rob Neyer

  (8:22 PM)

Well, you have to have cable or satellite TV; it's not on an over-the-air channel.

john, (Boston, MA)

I have been an avid baseball fan for a long time now, and I've never seen or heard of a pitcher wearing ear plugs to drown out crowd noise, was this just introduced, and do you think that it is a fair thing to do?

Rob Neyer

  (8:23 PM)

Oh, it's perfectly fair. Why not? I don't recall any specific pitcher who's warn ear plugs, but I do know that Garza's not the first.

Kyle (Tx)

people in US can watch here http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/hotcorner/index.jsp

Rob Neyer

  (8:24 PM)

Thanks, Kyle. But I hope you'll stick with me from time to time!

Bob (Boston)

26 to go

Rob Neyer

  (8:25 PM)

If this was a Sox-centric chat we could keep the countdown going all night. But it's not, so we won't (and don't bother trying, at least until the ninth).

Reggie (Dakota)

Rob, if the Rays lose the series and Upton hits another one out, should he still get the MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (8:26 PM)

Has a player on a losing team ever been named MVP of a postseason series? Bonds in 2002, maybe?

Henri (Connecticut)

Rob, if the Sox were to advance to the World Series, what would be your prediction?

Rob Neyer

  (8:27 PM)

Red Sox in six or seven. I'm still not sold on Beckett, but I think they might be able to win without him.

Gary (Los Angeles)

Troy Glaus was 2002 WS MVP

Rob Neyer

  (8:29 PM)

Ah yes. All those home runs. So maybe nobody has. Anyway, it would be a surprise. I suspect the MVP will come from the winning team, and if it's the Red Sox it'll be someone who has a big game tonight.

bob (quincy ma)

do u think the rays have deer in the headlight look

Rob Neyer

  (8:30 PM)

If they do, I'm not seeing it. Garza made one bad pitch but otherwise looked good, and Upton just put a nice swing on a pitch and missed a homer by 10 feet. Meanwhile, Lester doesn't have his best breaking ball tonight, at least not yet.

Andrew (New York)

Could Baldelli be a factor tonight? He's had a frustrating career and as a lifelong Ray you've got to think tonight means more to him than anyone

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

He's already been a factor, made a catch in the first that Gabe Gross might not have. Will he come up with a big hit? Ask me in two hours.

josh (boston)

Bobby Richardson 1960 Yankees

Rob Neyer

  (8:31 PM)

Excellent, Josh. Well played.

Danny (Vancouver)

looked like a good breaking ball to me! Down goes Pena.

Rob Neyer

  (8:32 PM)

That one did. His best of the inning, no doubt.

Dave (Texas)

How many pitches Lester throw that inning?

Rob Neyer

  (8:33 PM)

20. Same as Garza. They'd rather throw 15, but 20's not out of line for the top of the order, etc.

Dean (ohio)

Did you think Bay would have such an impact with the sox

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

He's been a little better than I expected, but well within the bounds of his career norms.

Collin (Wisconsin)

What do you think of Manny getting 2/3 of his postseason pay?

Rob Neyer

  (8:36 PM)

I think his ex-teammates are pretty classy dudes.

Keith (Danvers)

Where can I find pitch count?

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

I have a window open with the box score, from ESPN.com. It updates automatically, so it's easy to switch over when I want to check.

Chris (New Jersey)

Bobby Richardson of the 1960 New York Yankees, Mike Scott of the 1986 Houston Astros, and Fred Lynn of the 1982 California Angels are the only 3 players to ever win a postseason MVP award despite their team losing the series.

Rob Neyer

  (8:37 PM)

You're awesome, Chris. Thanks.

Joel (Canada)

Pitch count is shown in gamecast

Rob Neyer

  (8:38 PM)

Ah, even better. I suspect that some of you are following this chat on the usual chat page, but GameCast is a lot more fun.

Brett (North Dakota)

Are they going to have this chat in the World Series too?

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

Sure. Every game, just like last year. I'll probably be doing at least half of them.

matt (amherst)

Rob are you even watching this game

Rob Neyer

  (8:39 PM)

I am. And listening, too, via ESPN Radio (I adore Jon Miller).

Mike (OOB Maine)

Rob, what's your drink and food of choice for tonight's game? It's ok we wont' tell on you.

Rob Neyer

  (8:41 PM)

My drink is a local (Portland) microbrew (but just one), and my food is whatever my wife brings me. She knows what I like.

Mac (Kansas)

I am assuming you mean Portland, Oregon? Which local brew?

Rob Neyer

  (8:43 PM)

Full Sail is the brewer (they're actually a few miles up the Columbia River, in Hood River, Or.).

jerry (st. petersburg)

now, that was a strikeout! garza is on his A- game

Rob Neyer

  (8:44 PM)

Yeah, he absolutely froze Varitek with a sharp curveball. I don't see any reason to think this won't be a close game for the five or six innings.

Eric (Boston, MA)

Rob, I got to ask, what team would you like to see win.

Rob Neyer

  (8:46 PM)

I'm conflicted, Eric. I think the Rays winning would be good for the game, and a great story to boot. But while I literally don't know a single Rays fan, some of my favorite people get emotional about the Red Sox. So I'll be happy for whoever wins, and sad for who doesn't.

Brad (Baltimore)

Rob, was an Orioles fan I'm also a tremendous Jon Miller fan. In some sense I'm more upset 11 years after the fact that Angelos let him go than I am that the Orioles perenially stink. He is and was a baseball institution.

Rob Neyer

  (8:47 PM)

Perhaps Angelos's epitaph should be that he let Jon Miller *and* Davey Johnson get away from the organization. Not a sterling record...

Don (Boston)

It's weird not to hear Madden on the broadcast with Michaels tonight. I'm sure Simmons can't contain his glee with Collinsworth involved...... I highly recommend two televisions during the playoffs.

Rob Neyer

  (8:49 PM)

Collinsworth is an excellent broadcaster, which is pretty much all I know about this subject.

Evan (Australia)

This "predicted winner" addition to Game cast, is there any science behind it or is it just someoned opinion?

Rob Neyer

  (8:50 PM)

I don't know what the science is, but I know for sure it's not somebody guessing.

daniel newton (iraq)

how did it go from 53 to 57 percent during the game

Rob Neyer

  (8:52 PM)

The deeper into the game, the more meaningful a one-run lead. It's just based on the historical likelihood of a particular score leading to one team winning, though I don't know far back our history goes.

Tyler (Wisconsin)

Not to get off subject, but what are the chances C.C Sabathia stays a Brewer? Also, who do you think will be manager of the crew this year?

Rob Neyer

  (8:53 PM)

I don't know who's going to manage next season, but I know Sabathia won't consider the Brewers' offer for more than about one second. Management's just covering its rear.

Ricky (NY)

Here is another postseason series MVP from a losing team: Jeffrey Leonard -1987 in NLCS while playing for the Giants

Rob Neyer

  (8:54 PM)

Thanks, Ricky. Bonus question (and no Googling!): Who's the only player from a losing team to be named Super Bowl MVP?

Jimmy (Raleigh, NC)

Do you think he wants to stay in the NL?

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

You mean Sabathia, right? If you want to know my thoughts on the subject, look up Willie Sutton when you get a minute.

Alex (Nashville)

Chuck Howley in Super Bowl V

Rob Neyer

  (8:56 PM)

Correct, Alex (and everyone else who sent in Howley).

Jeff (ATL)

Well while we are off subject, Do the Braves have the best shot at Peavy???

Rob Neyer

  (8:57 PM)

Why the Braves? Are they particularly well-stocked with prospects?

Matt Baytown Tx

If you pinch hit for the DH I thought you lost your DH for the game and the pitcher had to hit?

Rob Neyer

  (8:58 PM)

No, you lose your DH if your DH takes a position in the field. It happens a few times every year.

JD (ST. LOUIS)

Peavy is coming to STL. Time to spend some money on pitching

Rob Neyer

  (8:59 PM)

Peavy's not a free agent; you have to trade for him (granted, he'll make a good chunk of change during the remaining four years of his contract).

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

Is there anyone in the Tampa bullpen that Maddon can trust? I think Balfour has pretty much pitched himself out of important innings.

Rob Neyer

  (9:00 PM)

I think Maddon has to keep dancing with the relievers what brung him.

Marshall (Ohio)

Pedroia drilled with a fastball. Payback for the homer?

Rob Neyer

  (9:01 PM)

No. Bad pitch. Garza didn't want to put on Pedroia with Ortiz up next.

kris (toronto)

Consider Pedroia's season, would you rather pitch to him or Ortiz with the season on the line?

Rob Neyer

  (9:03 PM)

Depends on who's pitching, Kris. As usual, it's all about the situation...

BRANDON (Parkersburg, iA)

Rob Neyer's Big Book of Baseball Legends: The Truth, the Lies, and Everything Else <---- love the book Rob!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:04 PM)

Thanks, Brandon. I thought it came out OK. And it makes a wonderful Christmas gift for your favorite baseball fan!

Dave (Bosstown)

I wonder why that comment made the cut

Rob Neyer

  (9:04 PM)

Yeah. Hard to figure these things sometimes...

Sonny (Norfolk)

Great pitch. Big Papy just isn't the same player for sometime now it seems. Do you think his best years may already be behind him?

Rob Neyer

  (9:05 PM)

Sure. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have a lot of big hits left in him. He's signed through 2010, which seems about right.

Cody (SoCal)

Ortiz is finished. He got lucky and cheated to catch up to the fastball with that HR off Balfour and the single last night. He's not even close to the same player he was. He's on the downside of his career.

Rob Neyer

  (9:06 PM)

Okay. Let's talk again next fall.

tom (tampa)

this episode of family guy is a little controversial

Rob Neyer

  (9:08 PM)

No spoilers. I'm recording!

TJ (San Diego, CA)

Does Buck Martinez know something we don't with his "ORR-tease" pronunciation?Or is he just plain wrong?

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

A lot of people mentioned this last night in the chat ... I don't know, but I suspect he just doesn't know better. As I understand the language, it's or-TEES.

zach (st.louis)

No jinx but lester is pitching a perfect game

Rob Neyer

  (9:09 PM)

Right. No jinx.

Katie (Iowa)

Can you consider Terry Francona one of the best managers of all time?

Rob Neyer

  (9:10 PM)

I think it's a little early, but he's definitely on his way, very close to equaling the accomplishments of Hall of Famer Billy Southworth.

Charlie (Boston)

already 4 strikeouts and lester looks good..

Rob Neyer

  (9:12 PM)

Yeah, he sure breezed through that inning and he's thrown only 43 pitches in three frames. Good thing for the Rays it's still close. Within one bad pitch and one good swing...

Mark (TN)

I have to say, at least thus far, that Garza has been equally as impressive as Lester. Fastball has good movement and he's made some big pitches.

Rob Neyer

  (9:15 PM)

Well, the scoreboard alone suggests that Garza hasn't been *quite* as impressive as Lester. Also, Garza walked a batter and Lester did not. But yes, he's been impressive.

Nic (SD)

Do Sept. call ups get a ring if their team wins it all?

Rob Neyer

  (9:16 PM)

That's up to the owner. But yeah, usually the club is pretty generous with the rings.

Will (SC)

The students at Bob Jones University would like to thank you and ESPN for this gamecast as we are not allowed to watch tv on Sundays.

Rob Neyer

  (9:17 PM)

Happy to help out, Will.

Dave (Seattle)

No-hitter, no-hitter, no-hitter, no-hitter. There, that ought to do it.

Rob Neyer

  (9:18 PM)

We'll see. How about this, though ... One-hitter, one-hitter, one hitter, one-hitters ...

Tony (Afghanistan)

As would the troops in Afghanistan.

Rob Neyer

  (9:19 PM)

We're *really* happy to help. Honestly, it always amazes me a little when I think about guys like you on the other side of the planet. Enjoy the game, and please be safe.

Dave (Boston)

How'd you feel about the moose getting offed last night on SNL? I almost died laughing.

Rob Neyer

  (9:20 PM)

The moose was a nice touch, I thought.

Stephen (Auburn Ma)

Rob who was your pick to win tonight before the game started? I'm a little biased but my money's on the sox, TB just cracks under pressure.

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

I think last night I made the Rays slight favorites in Game 7. I figured Garza would pitch well, and thought the home field might just be enough for the Rays. Anyway, there's a hit, finally ...

Danny (Ohio)

What you think of the new instant replay? good/bad?

Rob Neyer

  (9:23 PM)

Not good; great.

Brian (Boston)

Still watching "The Office", Rob? I told Ricky Gervais you were a fan of his show, when I worked on his movie and he thought you were a chef on Food Network!

Rob Neyer

  (9:25 PM)

Did you work on "Ghost Town", Brian? That's one of the best movies I've seen this year, and I'm terribly disappointed that it tanked at the box office.

Jhonny (Liverpool)

How does a man as small and powerless in the past as Upton hit the ball so freaking far. It's just a tad suspicious to me. Your thoughts.

Rob Neyer

  (9:26 PM)

He wasn't healthy for most of the season, Jhonny. And there have been a lot of skinny power hitters over the years (if not many lately).

Carter (Kalamazoo)

Rob what is your favorite sports movie of all time?

Rob Neyer

  (9:27 PM)

Oh, I don't know ... Bull Durham, I suppose. Or Talladega Nights, if that counts.

cory (north carolina)

i missed it. what did upton do?

Rob Neyer

  (9:28 PM)

K

Dan (MA)

What's your favorite horror movie?

Rob Neyer

  (9:29 PM)

"The Lake House"

andrew (boston)

If pitcher's statistically throw fastballs two thirds of the time then why don't hitters look fastball on every pitch and just use the percentages to their favor?

Rob Neyer

  (9:30 PM)

Well, a standard piece of advice is, "Look for the fastball and adjust to the curveball." But life's not so simple, and in fact Willie Mays did exactly the opposite.

Chris (Nashville)

I heard rumors a few months back that the Rays might be on their way out of TB if their in season attendance doesn't pick up. Nashville was mentioned as a possible destination. Do you see it happening?

Rob Neyer

  (9:31 PM)

I don't know about Nashville, but if attendance isn't strong next year -- and I think it will be -- the owners will start to consider their options.

Jef (Las Vegas)

No way. They're Orlando bound.

Rob Neyer

  (9:31 PM)

I doubt it, Jef. There's no there there.

Thomas (Philadelphia)

GREAT HIT!

Rob Neyer

  (9:33 PM)

Double into the RF corner for Longoria, Pena scores on close play at the plate. Some game we've got!

mike (gatortown)

I just expected Pedroia to put that throw on the money.. cuz he's done it all year...

Rob Neyer

  (9:34 PM)

But he didn't, and Pena might have been out otherwise. But that's why you send the guy with two outs; hard to make two perfect throws.

jon (scappoosse)

rays are now predicted to win on the gamecast

Rob Neyer

  (9:35 PM)

They should be, as they've got a runner on second base *and* more AB left in the game (potentially).

Matt (Rhode Island)

are the rays forced to get rid of some players next season due to their low salary budget?

Rob Neyer

  (9:36 PM)

Nobody that matters, Matt. This will not be a repeat of what happened to the Marlins.

James (Texas)

Where can I find out contractual information for players on specific teams? You know, like a list or something of contract length

Rob Neyer

  (9:39 PM)

There are two solid sources, James. Here's the one I use:http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/

Steve (VA)

Hey Rob, whats the other solid source for baseball contracts? Is it Cot's?

Rob Neyer

  (9:40 PM)

That link *is* Cot's. I don't remember the other one.

Daniel (Central TX)

Any knowledge on whether those little necklaces are legit in improving your body?

Rob Neyer

  (9:41 PM)

They're exactly as legit as astrology and alien abductions.

Jesse (Boston)

So they are pretty legit then....awesome!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Yep. Also legit: Matt Garza, who's now struck out seven Sox while averaging only 15 pitches per inning.

EP (NOLA)

Please tell me there's no chance the Sox overspend on Varitek this winter? They couldn't possibly after his terrible season. Right? RIGHT?

Rob Neyer

  (9:44 PM)

Oh, I don't know. Given everything that's going on in the organization, they can afford to overspend a little. I wouldn't be concerned about the money so much as the playing time next season.

Ken (Sao Paulo Brazil)

Just want to say how great these gamecasts are. They help me to know what is happening instead of waiting until the next da.

Rob Neyer

  (9:46 PM)

It's our pleasure, Ken. Granted, I'm on the other side of the equation plus I'm not exactly objective. But GameCast, especially with the chat function added, seems like a pretty cool invention to me.

tim (SD)

Can you believe that Youk and Pedroia make a combined 1.457 million a year!!!!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (9:47 PM)

Wild, huh? That's why the Sox could afford to overpay Drew, and Lowell a little bit.

Greg (Stateline, NV)

uh oh lead off double....

Rob Neyer

  (9:48 PM)

Weird one ... breaking ball two or three inches below the strike zone. Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Joe Morgan's on the radio suggesting a bunt might be in order. But Maddon disagrees...

Shahein (GA)

What defines "overpay" when there is no salary cap in the MLB???

Rob Neyer

  (9:49 PM)

"Overpay" means paying more than a guy is worth, strictly according to the numbers.

Matt (Boston)

How much longer will Lester last?

Rob Neyer

  (9:50 PM)

I don't know, but Navarro just fouled off Ball 4.

sam (tampa)

hey rob about how many comments do u get an inning?

Rob Neyer

  (9:51 PM)

Tonight, about 4000 . . . Odd hit for Navarro, grounder into the shortstop hole that Cora fielded easily. Now, a bunt?

steffan (ohio)

Will the Indians contend for the AL Central again next year?

Rob Neyer

  (9:52 PM)

They'll be in the thick of things, given just decent luck (which usually seems to elude them).

Joe (Boston)

Rob, how do you pick which comments get posted out of 4,000?!

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

I've been doing this for a long time, Joe. It's just sort of a feel thing. I post the first thing I see that I can respond to quickly. Gotta keep it moving!

Zach (Connecticut)

Triple play comin up

Rob Neyer

  (9:53 PM)

Just like in The Odd Couple (I hope Felix doesn't call!).

Tim (Miami Miami)

Or a base hit

Rob Neyer

  (9:54 PM)

Or a base hit. Hats off to Maddon for playing for the big inning.

Mike(Utica,NY)

Think the Sox should start warming up Masterson?

Rob Neyer

  (9:55 PM)

Pretty early for Masterson, isn't it. Seems like Delcarmen time ... Oh, there he is, warming up in the 'pen.

Chris (NY)

big strikeout

Rob Neyer

  (9:57 PM)

Yeah. Again, Joe Morgan suggesting a bunt on the radio. I think you have to bunt if Bartlett's a lefty hitter or Lester's a righty. But they're not.

tim (colorado)

Gotta walk Upton

Rob Neyer

  (9:58 PM)

Boy, I don't know. You hate to walk the bases loaded because so many bad things can happen afterward...

Chris (NYC)

Walk upton so Pena can hit a GS?

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Pena's not too hot against lefties, right?

Tyson (RI)

This is the AB that decides the game.

Rob Neyer

  (9:59 PM)

Well, Upton's out. Are you suggesting the Red Sox are going to win? Perhaps. Anyway, I like how both managers played that inning, everybody just going after it.

pat (nyc)

Rob, thanks for not trying to sell us anything between innings!

Rob Neyer

  (10:02 PM)

Hey, don't give us any ideas ... "The sixth inning, brought to you by: Cialgra!"

Zack (New Jersey)

Do you think the Sox will try to develop Masterson into a starter like the Yanks did with Joba?

Rob Neyer

  (10:04 PM)

I suspect they're keeping their options open, and that if they don't pick up a big-name starters this winter, Masterson gets back into starting shape over the winter. Remember, he was a starter just this past summer.

Parker (Provo, UT)

What is Lester's pitch count?

Rob Neyer

  (10:05 PM)

Lester's sitting on 83, Parker. Are you watching the GameCast? If not, you should. Lots of cool numbers there...

harrison (tampa)

11 outs to go

Rob Neyer

  (10:06 PM)

You deserve that, Harrison. Equal time, etc.

Brian (Tuva - Siberia)

Where's pitch count on GameCast?

Rob Neyer

  (10:07 PM)

Right next to Garza's photo, Brian.

Nick (Newton)

Only fastball and curves and we can't hit this clown?

Rob Neyer

  (10:08 PM)

Hey, those are pretty good fastballs and curves!

Jared (Dexter, ME)

Rob will you answer me already? How do I vote on the Predicted Winner at the top of Gamecast?

Rob Neyer

  (10:09 PM)

Jared, it's not a poll.

Paul (New Haven)

Rob, hasn't this been a great game so far?

Rob Neyer

  (10:10 PM)

It's been so great that if I didn't have this chat to distract me, I would have bitten off most of my fingernails by now.

Tiffany (St.Pete)

Are girls allowed to chat too...? :)

Rob Neyer

  (10:11 PM)

Not only allowed, but encouraged. I give preferential treatment to the ladies (or the gentlemen pretending).

Nick (NY)

Ouch, Pedroia might be costing Garza another inning with this AB.

Rob Neyer

  (10:12 PM)

And with the walk, maybe more than just an inning. I don't know what his stats are in the series, but if the Sox come back and win this game, I have to think Pedroia deserves MVP consideration.

Luis (P.R.)

How can Tampa have 70% win percentage if boston won game 5 in a 7 run deficit? it should be 40% for tampa even though they are winning right now

Rob Neyer

  (10:15 PM)

I'll go over this one more time, because I know everybody hasn't been here for the whole game ... 70% simply means that when a home team has this lead at this point in the game, it typically wins 70 percent of the time. Historically speaking. That number does not consider personnel (or at least I don't think it does; I'll find out for sure before the World Series).

Casey (Lincoln, NE)

Do you think they go to the bullpen after the 6th inning with Garza nearing 100 pitches? Even though he's pitching great.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

Unless some good things happen quickly, this is Garza's last inning.

Rob Neyer

  (10:16 PM)

And frankly, I don't see the Rays' bullpen holding a one-run lead.

Billy Montoya (Wyoming)

Yeah baby!!!

Rob Neyer

  (10:17 PM)

Wow. There's one of those good things I was talking about. K+CS, and Garza should be back in the seventh.

Cody (SoCal)

I told you Neyer!!! Ortiz is FINISHED! The only way he can catch up to a decent fastball is by cheating...and even then he still can't catch up half the time!

Rob Neyer

  (10:18 PM)

You did tell me. And Papi's not looking his best lately. Let's see how he does next spring before we bury him, though.

Justin (UConn)

TERRIBLE call by tito...ortiz cant make contact right now

Rob Neyer

  (10:20 PM)

Okay, but Pedroia stole 20 bags this season and was caught just once all year. Seems like a reasonable risk to me, except I'm not exactly sure what the Sox stood to gain. If Ortiz singles, Pedroia still has to stop at third. If Ortiz doubles, Pedroia scores either way. I'm sure I'm missing something...

Sean (Missouri)

maybe they were trying to stay out of the double play with papi being a below average runner

Rob Neyer

  (10:22 PM)

Maybe, but Papi's a fly-ball hitter and doesn't ground into many double plays (11 this season).

Bob (MN)

lester's last inning?

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

He needed only five pitches for three hitters, and has now thrown 88. Might as well let him pitch the seventh.

Nick (West Des Moines)

If the Ray's win and this is the final, is Garza ALCS MVP???

Rob Neyer

  (10:23 PM)

Him or Longoria, I'm guessing. Unless Upton hits one out in the eighth.

Sachin (NY)

Why Longoria over Upton?

Rob Neyer

  (10:26 PM)

Because Longoria had the big hit tonight. The night is young, though . . . Let's hash this out after the game.

John (Chicago)

Last inning for Garza???

Rob Neyer

  (10:28 PM)

Yeah, I think so. Garza hasn't thrown 120 pitches in a game all year, or for that matter in his career. In fact I don't think he'll finish this inning.

Ash (South Korea)

A walk? Justification please!

Rob Neyer

  (10:29 PM)

It wasn't intentional, but Garza didn't look like he was trying real hard to throw strikes there.

Jason (New Jersey)

anybody warming up yet?

Rob Neyer

  (10:30 PM)

A lefty and a righty, and one of them needs to come into the game NOW. If Maddon leaves Garza in and they lose, he'll never hear the end of it. For as long as he lives.

Mike (Tokyo)

How does Maddon not bring in a lefty?

Rob Neyer

  (10:31 PM)

If Maddon brought in the lefty, Francona might pinch-hit with Lowrie. That's what makes it so tricky.

Derek (Sioux Falls)

Now the hook?

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

Apparently not. Even though Garza sort of gave Kotsay a cookie there. Then again, Varitek hasn't exactly been lighting it up lately. Seems like a good pitch or two should be enough.

skip (Haviland Kansas)

The picture of Kotsay on the web cast shows him with an A on his cap, any hint why?

Rob Neyer

  (10:34 PM)

He used to play for Atlanta.

Steve (Manchester, NH)

I'm surprised Francona does not pinch hit for Varitek

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Nobody likes to pinch hit for Captain Tek.

Rick (Philadelphia)

Rob, if a reliever is brought in mid-batter, who is that batter charged to? The pitcher who started the at-bat, or the pitcher who let that batter reach base?

Rob Neyer

  (10:35 PM)

Depends on the outcome of the plate appearance.

Jason (Baltimore)

Huge pitch

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

Change-up in the dirt ... Tek's simply overmatched by good pitching these days. I suppose Francona will take some heat for not going to his bench in that inning...

Joseph (AL)

Rob, was that fourth ball a slider or a curve?

Rob Neyer

  (10:37 PM)

Jon Miller said it was a change-up.

Joe (Toronto)

Is that it for Garza? Has he just done a Pedro? Should he be tied to something in the dugout so he can't come out for the eighth?

Rob Neyer

  (10:38 PM)

He's thrown 116 pitches. I have a hard time imagining him out there for another batter, considering that would result in a new personal record for pitches in a game.

Greg (ND)

Who do the Rays pitch in the eighth?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

I'm guessing Howell and Balfour in the eighth, probably Wheeler in the ninth, with Miller perhaps in the mix to face Ortiz or Drew. The Red Sox lineup is broken up nicely, so Maddon's decisions won't be easy.

Timmy (TB)

Why are strikeouts referred to as K's?

Rob Neyer

  (10:40 PM)

Because S was already taken, and K is the last letter in "struck".

jp (jersey)

gone

Rob Neyer

  (10:42 PM)

Aybar just drove one halfway up the lower section beyond the left-field fence, a real no-doubter. Rays' computed chance of winning just jumped from 80 to 90 percent.

MIKE (BOSTON)

DO U PULL LESTER NOW? AND THROW PAP IN THERE?

Rob Neyer

  (10:44 PM)

I don't know about pulling Lester right now, but Papelbon has to pitch in this game, possibly in the eighth. And I think Francona would agree.

Justin (West Chester)

Just from looking at the pictures, Pedroia can't be taller than 5' 6'' or 5'7''

Rob Neyer

  (10:46 PM)

He's not. His listed height is fictional.

Chris (WV)

You think Garza gets another batter with the extra run cushion?

Rob Neyer

  (10:48 PM)

Oh, maybe you send him out there and hope Francona sticks with Cora. Then you start bringing in the relievers when the lineup turns over.

isaac (DC)

Bah, same questions over and over: Pedroia is only 5'6", pitch count can be found next the pitchers photo, CC Sabathia will not be in Milwaukee next year, Rob gets about 4000 comments an inning and the predicted winner thing is not a poll... any other questions?

Rob Neyer

  (10:49 PM)

Not from me . . . Thanks for being here for every game, Ike...

Josh (Montreal)

Gabe Gross is a defensive replacement? I'm very confused.

Rob Neyer

  (10:52 PM)

Me too. We could guess that Gross is better than Hinske, who didn't make the roster. But better than ex-CF Baldelli? Better than Fernando Perez, who's still on the bench?

Scott (UT)

Gotta be kidding me, Garza is out there again?

Rob Neyer

  (10:53 PM)

Well, not completely surprising, as I suggested exactly this eventuality. I just didn't guess that Bartlett would kick one. Anyway, here comes the right-hander. Didn't catch which one...

Sbyrd (Burlington VT)

how bad was the error?

Rob Neyer

  (10:54 PM)

Bad, Sbyrd. Routine grounder right at him.

DAN (OH)

Rob -- who do you trust in the Rays' bullpen?

Rob Neyer

  (10:57 PM)

You know what? All of them were good throughout the season. If somebody's healthy, I trust him.

Luke (Tampa)

So if Coco gets a hit here would it NOT be clutch because because there is no such thing?

Rob Neyer

  (10:58 PM)

It would most certainly be a CLUTCH HIT; it just wouldn't prove that he's got some magical ability to get CLUTCH HITS, generally.

Jon Lester (St.Pete)

CLUTCH

Rob Neyer

  (10:59 PM)

Uh-oh. You have to think some small intestines are starting to tighten up, just a little bit...

Alexa (DC)

change the pitcher???

Rob Neyer

  (11:00 PM)

Not in the middle of the at-bat. But I don't have a good feeling about this, re: Wheeler...

Dom (Bloomfield, NJ)

Pedrioa was thinking one thing there

Rob Neyer

  (11:02 PM)

Doesn't he always? That's what makes him a great player, always swinging hard and usually making good contact. Just didn't work out that time. Here comes Howell to face Papi...

Eddie (wayne, wv)

i have a ? for u rob who was the first player to hit 3 hrs in a alcs??

Rob Neyer

  (11:03 PM)

George Brett hit three in one game.

Justin (CC, TX)

consider pinch hitting for ortiz here?

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

With whom, exactly?

Timothy (Pawtuckett)

Biggest at bat of the game here. Your predictions.

Rob Neyer

  (11:04 PM)

P4

Tony (Ohio)

Rob, if you ever get overwhelmed, I'm a college graduate looking for a job.

Rob Neyer

  (11:05 PM)

I'm a college dropout looking to keep mine.

Josh (Japan)

TB is up 3-1, but I'm terrified right now. Should I be this nervous about them hanging on to win?

Rob Neyer

  (11:06 PM)

Sure. That's why we watch, right? To have our hearts yanked up and down inside our thoraxes, like yo-yos?

DJ (NY)

Rob -- if Papi blasts one here -- how big is his place in baseball mythology?

Rob Neyer

  (11:07 PM)

I'm not sure how much bigger it can get . . . And if he strikes out here, his place is still secure.

Scott (Blacksburg)

Rob, do they keep Howell if he gives up a hit to Ortiz?

Rob Neyer

  (11:09 PM)

I think Howell's in for three batters, if necessary. Can't run through these guys too fast before the ninth.

Chris (St.Pete)

That was a close call

Rob Neyer

  (11:11 PM)

It was incredibly close! It's mind-blowing, that a second baseman -- in this case, Iwamura -- knows he can get the runner at second by just a few inches like that. Anyway, I was wrong about Howell. He's coming out and Bradford's coming in, to face Youkilis. But this will be Bradford's only hitter, as there's no way he faces Drew.

VN (NYC)

Maddon is really confusing me here; is he thinking of bringing in Price for god's sake for the 9th?

Rob Neyer

  (11:13 PM)

Trever Miller's still out there, along with Balfour. Oh wait, I'm wrong again! Price is warming up in the bullpen!

nate Nate N ate Nat Nate (Va)

A walk??

Rob Neyer

  (11:14 PM)

This is a disaster for the Rays, as Bradford's first three pitches were all well off the plate. What's the point of bringing him in?

Rob Neyer

  (11:15 PM)

That would have been ball four, if Youk hadn't swung.

Nathan (IL)

full count

Dragonchild (Ohio)

Think the Rays are choking?

Rob Neyer

  (11:16 PM)

No. I think Bradford didn't come particularly close to doing his job. He threw six pitches, and one was in the strike zone (and if Youk hadn't been taking all the way, he might have hit it 450 feet).

Bill Buckner (Boston)

Five pitchers in one inning??? Talk about over managing. Now I hope this game goes into extra innings

Rob Neyer

  (11:18 PM)

Ugh. The Rays do have Edwin Jackson available, so they'd be fine for a while. Same for the Red Sox, who have Byrd and Wakefield.

Steven (Gainesville)

good call putting price in? young guy who cant be fazed

Rob Neyer

  (11:19 PM)

Are you sure he can't be fazed, Steven? If Price doesn't throw the ball where he wants, we're going to wonder why Maddon didn't use his veteran lefty.

George (SF)

I like Madden's approach....do whatever to protect the lead. Don't you?

Rob Neyer

  (11:19 PM)

I do. Especially considering this is the meat of the order in this inning. It gets a lot easier in the ninth.

mike (Lexington, KY)

The Price is Right!!!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:20 PM)

Not yet. But soon, maybe. I'm going to stop typing and just watch for a moment...

Bryan (Columbus)

Um, that was a ball

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

It looked like a ball, Bryan, but I think the umpire might have ruled that Drew went around. Either way, it was a great pitch -- 97, low and away -- and questionable call. Replays to come, I'm sure...

brian (kansas)

papelbon coming in you think?

Rob Neyer

  (11:22 PM)

If he's ready? You bet.

Elvan (St. Ignatius, MT)

Would Maddon bring in one of his starters to pitch the ninth? His pen doesn't appear to be up to the task.

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

This is definitely a Johnny Wholestaff game, Elvan. So I won't be shocked if Edwin Jackson's in the game at some point. I'd probably stick with Balfour and Miller, though.

troy (columbia)

theres the replay

Rob Neyer

  (11:24 PM)

Yep, and by the usual standards, Drew definitely went around. His bat crossed the plate, which is a pretty good definition.

Warren (Dallas)

Good call or bad call on the K?

Rob Neyer

  (11:25 PM)

Good call. Drew just got beat.

Joel (Tampa, FL)

Does Price stay in the game?

Rob Neyer

  (11:26 PM)

That's the Question of the Day, Joel. I've been wrong all night, so I'm not going to try to read Maddon's mind any more. I'll wait with everybody else...

Rob (Maine)

Okajima has really been lights out of late. Why?

Rob Neyer

  (11:28 PM)

I'm sure he's made an adjustment at some point, but really he's been the same pitcher this year that he was last year, once you strip the luck away. Okay, here we go to the ninth...

Mr. Bill (Boston)

I shut the game off... can't stand to see the season in the hands of Kotsay, Varitek and Cora... it's over.

Rob Neyer

  (11:30 PM)

I'm guessing it won't come down to those guys, exactly. I have to think we'll see Jed Lowrie, and perhaps Ellsbury and maybe Casey (if he's on the roster). No time to worry about hurt feelings.

Kevin (Pittsburgh)

Don't count out Bay.

Rob Neyer

  (11:31 PM)

Good point, Kevin. And it's Price maybe for the save???

Joey (Lakeville, MN)

Who's coming to close the game down?

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

It's David Price for now, Joey. With Balfour warming up behind him.

vinny (tampa)

Price would be the first pitcher to record a win and a save in the postseason without getting either in the regular season.

Rob Neyer

  (11:32 PM)

Cool stat.

YEEK2 (RI)

Price throws some heat!!

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

He does, but he'd better located it because Bay's on top of the fastball.

Sasha (New York)

WALK!

Rob Neyer

  (11:34 PM)

Oh boy.

dave (kc)

Is there a righty for the Sox to pinch hit for Kotsay? No?

Rob Neyer

  (11:35 PM)

Lowrie's a switch-hitter, but apparently he's being saved to hit for Cora.

Mike (St. Pete)

Gotta pinch hit for Tek, right? I mean, this is the LCS. Loyalty only goes so far.

Rob Neyer

  (11:36 PM)

Yeah, but with who?

Mike (Tokyo)

Cash?

Rob Neyer

  (11:36 PM)

Cash probably isn't any better than Varitek.

Tom (Tampa)

great pitch

Rob Neyer

  (11:37 PM)

Yeah, except it was three inches outside. Terrible call by the plate umpire, Kotsay had a legitimate beef.

Rich (New York)

Varitek was on that 95mph fastball...

Rob Neyer

  (11:38 PM)

You're right, but I'll bet the next one's higher...

Tim (Phx)

Uno Mas!

Rob Neyer

  (11:40 PM)

Again, Varitek overmatched by a pitcher with great stuff. And here comes Lowrie for the biggest AB of his life...

Deano (Iowa City)

WOW

Matt (Florida)

RAYS WIN!

D-man (Arkansas)

Phillies or Rays? And why?

Rob Neyer

  (11:42 PM)

My preliminary pick is the Rays in 6 games. But I reserve the right to change my mind after I have a few minutes to think about it. They do seem to have found themselves a reliable late-innings reliever. Which is nice.

Domenic (DC)

If you want to see why the Sox lost this series, it's simple: Ortiz - .154, Varitek - 0.50, Cora - .143... When you've got absolute dead spots in your lineup, you aren't going to win many ball games.

Rob Neyer

  (11:43 PM)

True, but then again they didn't come that far away from winning four of them.

Reed (NLR, AR)

Poor Jed Lowrie

Rob Neyer

  (11:44 PM)

Hey, he got pretty good wood on the ball. I don't think he'll have nightmares about that AB all winter.

ben (NJ)

thanks for having us, Rob. Same time Wednesday?

Rob Neyer

  (11:49 PM)

I haven't seen the World Series chat schedule yet, but yeah, probably. Thanks to everyone for hanging around tonight, and until next time don't forget: "Victory finds a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan."